Embracing the unknown gives some people a rush. Setting out on a road trip with no real plan may turn into the adventure of a lifetime. Sampling a new dish with ingredients you don’t recognize — that’s broadening your palate. Finally agreeing to a blind date set up by a close friend could be your chance to discover a new partner for life.

Those are all good reasons to roll the dice and see what happens. Leaving your health and finances to chance are decidedly less so. Retiring in a senior living community that offers LifeCare for seniors is both a safe and a smart plan.

What is LifeCare?

 

Put simply, and as the name suggests, LifeCare is a guarantee of care services for life. Right now, you might not need any special care at all. You’re generally healthy, active, and looking forward to enjoying all the best that a carefree retirement lifestyle has to offer. The reality is, at some point that will probably change. You might get sick or injured, or maybe – eventually – the hands of time will start to slow you down. That’s not the time to figure out who’s going to help you take care of your health.

With LifeCare you’re assured that you’ll have access to the care you need, in the community you already call home, all at a cost similar to what you agreed to pay when you first moved into your independent living apartment.

What are the Benefits of LifeCare for Seniors?

 

The idea of care of life is pretty appealing in its own right, but there are actually several more benefits to choosing LifeCare for seniors.

Familiar Surroundings for Life

 

When you get sick or need extra care for any reason, there’s comfort in being close to home. As a resident of a community that offers LifeCare for seniors, like Pomperaug Woods, when you need additional care, you can get it from people you trust in a place you know well.

Unlimited lifetime access. For healthcare?! Yes, indeed. At Pomperaug Woods, Southbury’s only not-for-profit community offering LifeCare for seniors, you can expect lifetime access to a full continuum of on-site care. That means we’re ready to support you every step of the way, with services spanning senior rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, respite and hospice care.

Predictable Financial Future

 

Choosing a LifeCare community isn’t just choosing where you’ll receive care for life; it’s choosing how much you’ll pay for it. You can expect to pay an entrance fee, which may be higher than you find at communities without LifeCare — but that’s what keeps your monthly costs predictable, and you’ll have access to healthcare for life at rates lower than you’d pay out of pocket.

Tax Advantages

 

We’re experts in exceptional senior care, not tax law. But we can tell you this: In most cases, entrance fees and monthly fees count as medical expenses. That means you might be able to receive tax credits for these prepaid long-term care costs. You’ll need a tax consultant to talk you through the details and how it affects you personally, but it’s definitely a benefit worth considering.

Estate Preservation

 

Many seniors worry about protecting how they’ll provide for their heirs. At Pomperaug Woods, your LifeCare entrance fee is 80% refundable. That’s pretty exceptional asset protection for your estate.

Peace of Mind

 

A secure plan for the future takes the guesswork out of the future, while giving you the freedom to enjoy the present. Choosing LifeCare ensures you’re setting your own terms for the future, and you’re doing so knowing you and your loved ones can skip past the worry when you need more care. The care you need and the support you deserve will be here if and when you ever need it.

Find Care for Life in New Haven County

 

Settling into a secure retirement lifestyle doesn’t have to mean you stop chasing adventure. Pomperaug Woods is a beautiful neighborhood-style community in Southbury where you’ll find a maintenance-free lifestyle and predictable monthly fees. We have the practical considerations covered, so you can focus on living your best life and exploring the unknown to your heart’s content, whether that’s here within our 22-acre campus or wherever your imagination takes you.

Apples have a rich history in Irish culture and play a role in many stories within Celtic mythology. It is said that the unmarried person should place one under their pillow to ensure their sleep is filled with dreams of their future spouse. There is a legend that St. Patrick himself planted an apple tree outside of Armagh County, which is now lovingly called Orchard County. Apple cake is a classic dessert enjoyed throughout the country’s pubs. This version is a celebration of Ireland and the apple.

Chef Carol Koty
Food and Beverage Director – Pomperaug Woods

Makes 1 Loaf Pan:

1 Tbsp. salted butter

1 cup granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

½ tsp. cinnamon

2 ½ cups brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

1 cup heavy whipping cream

¼ cup pure maple syrup

2 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. Irish whiskey (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Stirring often, cook until the apples soften, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.
3. Place the cubed brioche bread in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and Irish whiskey (optional).  Pour the liquid over the cubed bread and allow to soak for at least 10 minutes.
4. Mist a loaf pan liberally with nonstick pan spray.  Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the loaf pan, filling halfway.  Layer the cooked apple slices over the bread mixture.  Top the apple slices with the remaining amount of bread mixture to fill the loaf pan.
5. Bake the apple bread pudding until the center is set and reaches 145°F, about 45 to 50 minutes.  Serve warm with ice cream or caramel sauce.  Enjoy!

When the temperatures finally start to consistently stay above freezing, the desire to get outside suddenly blossoms like the dogwood, crabapple and redbud trees. And no matter what your age, there are real benefits to doing outdoor activities. It can increase energy, improve memory, encourage physical activity, help fight depression and even boost your immune system.

Spring into These Outdoor Activities for Seniors

After spending months inside looking at leafless trees, here are 13 outdoor activities for seniors that can get you in the fresh air and sunshine this spring.

1. Dig in the dirt: Gardening is a great way for older adults to stay active and maintain strength and flexibility. Flowers, herbs and produce can be grown in small plots, side yards, raised beds, pots and window boxes.
2. Instead of just wishing: Fishing off the dock or along the banks of a pond or lake can be a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. It doesn’t take a lot of physical effort and it’s a great way to connect with your grandchildren. 
3. Open-air concerts: Many local organizations put on small music events or outdoor theater showings that are usually free for senior citizens.
4. Freeze frame: Photography is an artistic activity that you can learn about and get better at over time. And you don’t need an expensive camera — the camera on a smartphone or tablet can take wonderful pictures.
5. Friendly competition: Simple, portable games like bocce ball, croquet, lawn bowling and lawn darts can turn your yard into a sports arena.
6. Dine outdoors: Enjoy dining al fresco by packing a picnic basket, firing up the grill or dining on a restaurant’s patio balcony. If you want to have a picnic but don’t have time to plan, pick up a pizza. 
7. Now showing: Visit interesting sculpture parks, museum art installations and craft exhibitions around town.
8. Shop outside: A weekly trip to the farmers’ market can be a great way to spend the day and allows you to take an active interest in your diet and health. It’s also a wonderful way to get to know people in the local community.
9. Community celebrations: There are always community events organized by various  local associations, including car shows, parades and celebrations of civic pride. 
10. Feathered friends: This soothing and therapeutic activity is ideal for those who want to enjoy and connect with nature.
11. Go for a drive (and putt): Golfing is a perfect sport for seniors because it’s actually light exercise, and its competitive aspect makes it fun to do with a group. 
12. Enjoy the sights: If you’ve lived in the same area for a long time, there are probably a lot of interesting sights and places of interest you may have overlooked. 
13. Do the stroll: A great way to stay active is by taking a walk. You can enjoy a long hike on a path or just take a quick jaunt around the neighborhood. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air and see the sights the environment around you has to offer. If you have a dog, your furry friend is sure to enjoy tagging along and meeting the neighbors.